The name "Jacob" seems to be derived from the verb "לעקוב" (la'akov, "follow"). The Bible explains that the name "יעקׁב" (Jacob) comes from the word עֲקֵב (akev, "heel"). According to the Biblical story, when Jacob was born right after his twin brother, Esau, he was holding his heel in his hand.

As a noun: adversary, opponent, rival. As a verb: “he will fight”, like in the verse “Rob not the poor, because he is poor, neither oppress the afflicted in the gate, for the Lord will plead their cause (יָרִיב רִיבָם) and spoil the soul of those that spoiled them.” Proverbs 22, 22-23.